Buying a used car doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems.

Used cars are a smart buy because of depreciation, which is greatest in the first year or two, which means someone else gets stuck with the biggest value-drop.

Shopping for a used car can take quite a bit of time and energy, but if you are committed to the process and follow these simple guidelines, it is a pretty good bet that you will walk away with a deal that you can be proud of.

Financing

Obtain car financing (if necessary) before you find the car you want, even if buying from a used-car dealer.

A better quality pre-owned car may require financing from a bank, but the repayments ought to be more affordable than those of a new car loan through a dealership.

Auto Insurance

Before you shop around for a used car, it’s worth while getting auto insurance quotes to find out just how much the insurance is going to cost you.

Call your insurance company before you purchase your car to determine what the monthly insurance cost will be.

Taxes

Don’t forget that apart from the sticker price you may be required to pay extra for taxes, registration and there could also be other charges to take into consideration. Tax rates vary by state. As soon as the vehicle is registered in your name, the dealer should provide you with the original receipt from the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office. For tax records, take a photo of the car and keep copies of current classified ads or guide value estimates for similar vehicles. As a very broad, general rule, and depending upon where you live, tax, license, assorted fees and other costs will add roughly 10 % to the purchase price.

Car Mileage

The greater the mileage a used car has, the lower its value, but a used car with lower than average miles can go for a higher than average price. Some cars with high mileage can be in great condition – and be great bargains. Check the mileage to be sure the car has not been used too much for the price being asked.

Conclusion

Buying a used car can be great value, as long as you know how to choose a good one.

But times have changed and buying a pre-owned car need not be the horror it once was.

Looking for a $100,000+ pre-owned car ? We have them (and used cars in other price ranges) for sale at AZA Cars.

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